Last year, we procrastinated in getting a new roof after a hailstorm in the summer; this proved to save us thousands. Our insurance company allows claims for up to six months from the occurrence, and we filed a claim in December. The roofing companies in the neighborhood were very busy replacing roofs during the summer and fall months, but by December, they needed the work. Because this was the off-season for them, and they were no longer busy, we were able to negotiate the one-percent deductible. The roofing company paid the entire thing! So, try to schedule your claim in the off-season and always negotiate.
Pamela S.
                        
                     

We have a Christmas store in Michigan that ships anywhere in the world all year long. They make a variety of personalized ornaments in various price ranges, starting at $8.99 and up. I usually buy one personalized ornament and then go to clearance area and add a few other ornaments in matching colors to make a starter kit for the Christmas tree. It makes a wonderful gift, and I usually can spend $20 or less and make it look like I have spent much more. We live on a fixed income, and I have found that this idea works wonderfully for wedding, bridal and baby shower gifts. You can also get personalized ornaments for newborns and children.
Annie in MI

On going to bed at night, I follow our ancestors' suggestions. I wear a snood , which looks like a shower cap made of lace, over my head. This captures the heat normally lost out of the top of the head. It has certainly helped keep my body temperature warmer in bed, and I can turn down the heat in my home at night.
Mary H.

With the holidays looming on the horizon, I try to get my four children to make gifts for family members. One of their favorite things to do is paint dishtowels. It's not too expensive to buy the flour sack towels and fabric paint. The kids love to each make a towel for grandma. Some of the kids choose to make Christmas themed towels, and some choose to make towels she can use all year long. It's nice because as the years go by, she can see how they are progressing in their artistic ability. For young kids, who may not be into painting by themselves yet, just put their painted handprint on a towel. 
Elizabeth E. in Salisbury, NC
                     
                

In my opinion, this is an excellent time for a buyer to get into the market if you don't have another house to sell. If you are dependent on selling your home to move, it's a little tougher. Rates are low and home prices are (hopefully) bottoming out.

1. As a buyer right now, you have the luxury of time. Don't rush into a house until you find the house for you.

2. Make sure you don't buy a bigger, more expensive house than you can afford on one income. Given your frugal ways, you are unlikely to buy more than you can afford, but imagine if you or your husband were unemployed.

3. Make sure you have enough income in savings to cover your house payments and other expenses for a few months. Take this opportunity as you look for a house to really build up that savings account by pretending you are paying a mortgage, but put it all into savings for a few months.

4. Lastly, if the situation in your neighborhood is truly unbearable or dangerous, move sooner rather than later. You can't put a price on your safety or sanity.

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Julie D.